For many mothers juggling dual roles—as homemakers and business owners—24 hours a day is often not enough. They frequently face various challenges in balancing family responsibilities and business activities.
IPB University’s School of Quality Family Life was established to address these issues. During the “Productive and Empowered Families” Webinar (4/30), Dr Istiqlaliyah Muflikhati, a lecturer in Family and Consumer Sciences, shared several practical tips for effective time management.
“Time is a limited resource, so it must be managed wisely through careful planning, setting priorities, and effective communication among family members. “Additionally, maintaining a balance between economic activities and family life is also crucial,” she explained.
Time constraints, the absence of clear priorities, and the blurred lines between household chores and business operations are the primary causes of inefficiency, and can even lead to exhaustion and burnout. As a solution, Dr Istiqlaliyah shared several strategies that can be implemented:
1. Apply the Batching Technique
One effective way to save time is by grouping similar tasks together. In practice, batching can involve producing items in bulk, packaging them all at once, or shopping for raw materials for the next few days in a single trip.
“This approach saves time and energy because you don’t have to constantly switch between different tasks. “This approach helps improve time and energy efficiency, making work processes more optimal and organized,” she explained.
2. Set Priorities
Next, establish a priority scale so that each task can be completed based on its level of urgency and importance. Additionally, it’s important to avoid wasting time by managing distractions and using time more productively.
3. Create a Daily Schedule
Creating a daily schedule is a crucial step for structuring time allocation more effectively. “With a clear schedule, activities can proceed more systematically and help reduce the risk of tasks being delayed or piling up,” said Dr Istiqlaliyah.
4. Manage Distractions
Managing distractions is key to preventing wasted time. Productive use of time helps maintain an efficient work rhythm, especially when juggling multiple roles.
5. Build Collaboration
Sharing responsibilities among family members is crucial for lightening the workload. This collaboration allows MSMEs owners to stay focused on running their business without neglecting domestic responsibilities.
In the long term, implementing these strategies is expected to help MSMEs mothers manage their time more effectively, boost productivity, and maintain a balance between their business and family life.
“A healthy, happy, and well-organized mother is the foundation of a strong family and a thriving business. Start with small, consistent steps, and celebrate every progress!” she concluded. (*/Rz)(IAAS/LAN)
